Course Description
This course introduces students to (or strengthens students’) skills in the cantillation (trope) system used to chant Torah. We will explore the trope markings and their names, the trope family system, and the trope melodies. We will learn how to apply these markings to chanting Torah readings.
This course is 2 credits towards smicha
What You Will Learn
We will begin our time together focusing on learning (or reviewing) trope markings, trope families, trope names, and melodies. Students will learn to sing them so that they can apply the melodies to words of any Torah reading. Students will then choose to learn a full Torah reading (or more than one).
Prerequisite Knowledge
Hebrew reading knowledge and fluency are strongly recommended.
Materials
Chumash (if you want English translation); other materials provided. Eventually, you might want to have your own Tikkun for personal reference.
Credits Earned
2 elective credits towards smicha
Meeting Time Availability & Course Price
Available Meeting Times
Weeknight evenings 6:30 pm-8:00 pm (Eastern)
Possibly Sundays
***More flexible timing in the summer***
Course Price
20 45-minute sessions: $1800
Payment Methods Accepted
Venmo and Zelle
Getting Started
Reach out to Ann Zisser by email: annzisser@gmail.com
Meet Your Instructor
An educator for almost 30 years, Ann has held many positions over that time. She is currently the Education Director at Hebrew Congregation of Somers in NY. She was a classroom teacher in various Jewish day schools for over 25 years, served as a Math Coach and Curriculum Coordinator, supporting and mentoring teachers, and taught in supplemental Hebrew school classrooms. Ann has also spent significant time in the Jewish camping world, immersing herself in Jewish living, teaching specials, and supervising staff.
Ann has extensive experience tutoring and preparing young teens for b’nai mitzvah, and she has also worked with adults in guiding them and teaching Torah reading and haftarah chanting.
Ann earned her BA from the University of Albany, majoring in Economics, and her MS in Special Education from Hunter College.
Ann has been active in the Westchester Jewish community for many years, regularly attending services, chanting Torah, and serving on various committees as an active member of different synagogues.
Ann lives in White Plains, NY, married to Rabbi Sandy Zisser. She has two grown children, Solomon – also a Jewish professional – and Ren. In her spare time, Ann loves to walk, bake and spend time near the ocean.
Learning Verification Method
- Students will be asked to chant a Torah reading (or more than one).
- When you complete the havrutah, have your educator fill out the form below and give it back to you. Please provide the form to them if they do not already have it. Then upload the filled-out Brit Limmud to the quiz associated with this havrutah course.
Ann is a terrific and patient teacher who truly loves her work, and is knowledgable about torah and haftorah reading. I highly recommend.